Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo, b. 1959)
Healing Dancers (Yei Bi Cheii) — A Commissionable Masterwork — hand‑coiled basket; hand‑split, hand‑dyed three‑leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata); unique per commission
Provenance
Commissioned directly from the artist for the collector; each work is one‑of‑one and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity and full documentation. (Inventory ref. assigned at contract: SJB–HDC–COM–[YY]–[##].)
Catalogue Note
Healing Dancers (Yei Bi Cheii) is a monumental ceremonial composition by master weaver Sally J. Black. A classic wedding‑basket center anchors the field, from which a ring of Yei Bi Cheii (Yéʼii Bi Cheii) figures radiates in perfect balance. The outward‑facing dancers and their precisely articulated regalia are rendered with restraint and clarity, translating sacred themes of healing and restoration into a museum‑caliber work of pictorial basketry.
This design is commissionable as a unique piece, woven to the collector’s desired diameter. At large scale, the work embodies extraordinary concentration and physical control; the rarity of multi‑figure rings at this size further underscores its significance for serious collections.
Technique & Materials
Prepared entirely by hand from three‑leaf sumac, each commission begins with shoots Black splits, trims, smooths, and dyes to exact hue and value. She builds the composition in a continuous spiral, maintaining even stitch, clean color registration, and an impeccably finished rim—hallmarks of her mature practice. The disciplined geometry required to keep figure proportions true across the expanding coils is a measure of the artist’s mastery.
Commission Parameters (bespoke options)
Scale: Woven to the collector’s specified diameter (the design reads powerfully at 30 inches and larger).
Palette: Traditional neutrals with harmonized accent colors (natural and commercial dyes).
Presentation: Museum‑grade shadow‑mount or wall frame on request.
Documentation: COA with unique inventory ID, materials, date of completion; condition report included.
Details — Example Commission
Artist: Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo)
Materials: Three‑leaf sumac; natural and commercial dyes
Dimensions: Varies by commission. Example shown: 30 inches (diameter)
Weaving Time: For a masterwork of this scale and complexity, over 900 hours of weaving—representing roughly three months of daily work (10–12 hours per day, 6–7 days per week)
Edition: Unique (one‑of‑one) per commission
Display, Shipping & Compliance
Display: Shadow‑mount with UV‑mitigated lighting; maintain stable RH (45–55%); avoid direct sunlight.
Shipping: Professionally crated with wall‑to‑wall insurance; pre‑/post‑shipment condition documentation provided.
Compliance: All representation and labeling comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
Cultural Note: Sacred references are presented respectfully and for art‑historical context only; this text is not intended as ceremonial instruction.